White Oaks Weekly - May 10, 2020

In This Issue: Principal's Message, Join Us - Principal's Coffee Budget Workshop, Save the Date! Virtual Founder's Day, May 20 at 7:30pm, Help us Collect Library Books, SCEF News, District News and Events, Community News and Events,

From the Principal

Dear White Oaks Families,

The saying “April showers bring May flowers” has been repeating in my head this last week. For me, this is a message of hope. Although we continue to persevere through very tough times, May is also bringing glimmers of hope as well. The month began with a truly uplifting May Day parade and the love and appreciation that came from families for teacher appreciation week were fantastic. We can’t thank the community enough for coming together and finding the time to recognize the hard work teachers put in each and every day. The small gifts of gratitude, flowers, notes of appreciation, and treats all made an impact. I would like to specifically thank Nikki Reynolds for directing the beautiful tribute song for our staff, Hayley Feyereisen for the gorgeous flower deliveries, and Britta Ellis, Debbie Blucher, Annie Stevenson and the Teacher Appreciation Committee for organizing the entire week. Please know that these small acts of kindness make a difference.

In keeping with the theme of “Hope”, I would like to share the eloquently written article by our very own Kim Norgaard that was published in the month’s issue of San Carlos Living Magazine. Her message to “slow down and breathe” is an important one and I want to reiterate that we know you are all doing your best and that is enough! Juggling all that life is throwing our way has never been more difficult. We are the village that is going to do this together.

As difficult as it is to find joy sometimes when the news we receive seems ever more daunting, it is so important to allow the little moments to rise to the top, if not for any other reason than to let our children know that things will be ok. As Kim states, “My motto is Elevate Joy! Joy elevates learning, peace, and calm.”

Join Us - Principal's Coffee Budget WorkshopCome get informed! Join Mrs. Scholer and Dr. Harmeier for a digital budget workshop on Tuesday, 5/12 at 7:30pm. Dr. Harmeier will be sharing the most current information we have on SCSD's budget crisis. You will also have the opportunity to contribute valuable input on priorities and savings ideas that will be shared with our school board. We want to hear from you! Please email Mrs. Scholer at lscholer@scsdk8.org for the Zoom link.

Save the Date! Virtual Founder's Day, May 20 at 7:30pmGratitude can happen "virtually" anywhere! Please save the date for a special 70th anniversary celebration of our Founder's Day Honorary Service Awards. This White Oaks tradition since 1950 continues as we honor parent volunteers and our amazing staff. White Oaks parents Alana Corso, Veronica Dils, Kirsten Kell and Krista Morey will be recognized with awards for their many years of volunteerism. In addition, all White Oaks Teachers and Staff will receive a special Continuing Service Award for their amazing dedication to our children during this unprecedented time. We'll gather online to view a special video presentation of this meaningful White Oaks event. Look for Zoom details shortly on our White Oaks Connection Facebook group and in next week's WOW.

Help us Collect Library BooksYou can still bring your library books back anytime to the Blucher residence that is located around the corner from the library at: 1550 Cedar Street, San Carlos. Please drop your books off in the the bright yellow library bin is on the front porch. Our hope is to have all library books returned by the end of May.

SCEF News

Your help is needed to Make it Happen in MayYour SCEF donation is especially important this year because of the severe budget reductions we are facing as result of COVID-19. Acknowledging this difficult time, we ask for your help to raise the final $500,000 needed to reach our goal. Your contribution will enable SCEF to provide the San Carlos School District & San Carlos Charter School with grants that will help fund educator positions and programs for next school year.

Make it Happen in May by going online now to make a donation https://www.scefkids.org/donate/. If you give through your workplace giving please let us know as it can take 8 to 10 weeks for us to receive word of your donation.

Thank you for your support.

District News and Events

Registration Open for the 2020-2021 SMARTE After-school Clubhouse!Registration for new students to attend the SMARTE After-school Clubhouse for the 2020-2021 school year has opened! Access the registration page here.

The SMARTE program is dedicated to enriching children's lives after school. We provide a fun, safe and welcoming place to spend time each day. Programs are available to students at our four elementary schools - Arundel, Brittan Acres, Heather and White Oaks. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

Virtual Parent Education EventsThe Parent Education Series is a leading provider of high-quality education for parents, students, educators, and community members. The organization has reached over 70,000 attendees on critical issues-mental health, substance use, social media, and more-that impact the health, safety, and well-being of children and teens.

Census 2020Congratulations San Mateo County residents, we have the highest 2020 Census response rates in the entire state of California! But we need EVERYONE to respond and be counted.

Completing the 2020 Census has never been easier. If you misplaced your 12-digit Census ID or don’t know how to start the process, you still have time. Visit the County of San Mateo - Government's Census page for more information.